De Villiers shines on return from injury as Boks cruise to victory against world select

Skipper Jean de Villiers returned from a long injury lay-off as South Africa began a five-match World Cup countdown by defeating a World XV 46-10 in Cape Town on Saturday.

Inside centre De Villiers came off the bench midway through the second half to a standing ovation from the Newlands stadium crowd for his first game since suffering a serious knee injury in Wales eight months ago.

"It was awesome to be back," said the 34-year-old, who showed no ill effects of his long absence and made a break to set up the fifth of seven Springbok tries.

"I felt fine and it was very emotional running on to the field with the crowd cheering me. It is so nice to be back."

Another plus for South Africa in a non-cap exhibition match was an impressive debut by outside centre Jesse Kriel, 21, who switched seamlessly from his usual full-back position.

Minuses for the twice world champions included four misses from seven kicks at goal by fly-half Handre Pollard and the sin-binnings of flanker Francois Louw and three-try fullback Willie le Roux.

South Africa needed just four minutes to take the lead as Pollard slotted a penalty in cool, overcast conditions.

Centre Damian de Allende scored his first try in the green and gold on nine minutes, holding off World fly-half Mike Harris and sliding over.